IT WAS scant consolation to Barrow Town that they deserved a share of the spoils from this EMCL opener.

In the end it was two mistakes at the back which gifted Rob Gill a brace of goals to consign the Riversiders to defeat.

On a better day Stu Wilson could have celebrated a four goal haul, missing the target twice in the six yard box and twice finding home keeper James Mason in inspired form.

Barrow were first to test the range, Ade Adelukan slipping Dave Hollis through to blast just over the bar. Hollis then turned prompter, ushering Stu Wilson into the box to pull the chance wide.

Gedling were in front on 10 minutes when Rich Burford’s back header was anticipated by Gill for an easy lob over an exposed Adam Wilcox.

Barrow hit back when Wilson sliced through the home defence but he beat the keeper and passed the wrong side of the post.

Gedling were equally close, Gill stabbing a low shot against the underside of the bar before the ball rebounded to safety.

Adelukan headed across goal to Wilson who blazed over before a frustrating opening spell culminated with the striker dragging another chance wide.

The hosts ended the half on top with Gill heading over, Wilcox saving a fierce low shot from Jimmy Spiers, Graham Epps volleyed over and Gill again hooked a close range chance clear of the bar.

In the second half Barrow’s Wilson stabbed over a superb Phil Garner cross but another mix-up gifted Gedling a two goal lead, Gill left with a tap-in.

Barrow built up an attacking tempo with Gedling keeper Mason flicking over Scott MaClennan’s goal-bound volley in style, then making a great low save from Adelukan’s angled drive.

After having another shot saved by Mason, Wilson finally beat the keeper with a header but saw a Gedling defender seemingly bundle the ball off the line with an arm but the referee waved away Barrow’s justified appeals.

Gedling were rocking as Mark Muir sent in an 18 yard drive that found Mason expertly positioned to save before Hollis missed the far post by inches with a great cross-shot.

A storming finish saw Barrow reduce the arrears in injury time, Adelukan bundling home a cross from Mark Muir but it was too late.